Sept. 6, 2008
Final Stats
Clinton, SC - The Broncos suffered a heartbreaking 38-28 loss to Presbyterian College at Bailey Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Coach Kenny Phillips came close to earning his second victory against a Division I opponent in consecutive weeks, but fell short in the second half.
In the opening quarter, the Blue Hose ran a no-huddle offense to put the first points on the board. With their first drive, quarterback Tim Webb found running back Chetyuane Reeder for 39-yard touchdown pass. The pass concluded a quick four play, 52-yard drive that lasted a little over a minute.
Sophomore quarterback Benjamin Williams started at QB due to a groin injury for the usual starter, Bryan Hardy. FSU went three and out in their opening drive. However, senior cornerback Donte' Wise recovered a Presbyterian fumble inside Blue Hoses' territory. On the next play, Williams hit a huge target in senior receiver Darryl Barnett for a 45-yard touchdown strike. The TD pass tied the score at seven with 7:58 remaining in the first quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, receiver Tyler Robbins returned a 53-yard kick, 40 yards to the Bronco 43. Presbyterian took advantage of the excellent field position with a touchdown. Webb executed a quarterback sneak on the one yard line to put the Blue Hose ahead 14-7. The next FSU drive was brought to a halt, after defensive back Bo Tribble intercepted a pass and returned it 67 yards to the FSU 11 yard line.
Fayetteville State's defense held strong in the red zone, forcing Presbyterian to settle for a 24-yard field goal. Down 17-7, the Broncos put together an eight play, 62-yard touchdown drive. Sophomore running back Richard Medlin crossed the goal line with a three-yard rush to draw FSU within three points.
The Broncos' offense would take the field again after a turnover on downs offensive series for the Blue Hose. FSU did not waste the possession. Medlin ran five yards into the end zone to cap off a 13 play, 68-yard drive. The score gave Fayetteville State their first lead of the game, 21-17. PC responded quickly out of their no-huddle offensive set. Webb eventually connected with receiver Terrance Butler for 23 yards and the touchdown. The score put Presbyterian back in front 24-21.
Despite being down three at halftime (24-21), FSU had more total yards 257-235 and had the ball on offense for almost 21 minutes (20:50) in the first half.
In the second half, the Broncos regained control with a touchdown drive. PC would turn the ball over on downs after attempting a pass out of a punt formation. Medlin scored the Broncos' final touchdown with a one-yard rush to end a seven play, 37-yard drive.
Presbyterian finally realized going score for score with Fayetteville State could prove fatal. The Blue Hose offense settled down and began showcasing their running attack. PC's time of possession in the second half was a total of 19:18 compared to 10:42 for FSU. Presbyterian scored two unanswered rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to earn the victory.
Medlin finished with 79 yards on 20 attempts and three TDs. Williams completed 17 of his 31 passes attempted for 226 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Junior linebacker Marcos Esquivel led the defense with a total of 12 tackles (eight solo, four assisted), including two tackles for a loss and two pass deflections.
FSU falls to 1-1 in the standings. The Broncos will travel once again for their third consecutive away game, as they take on CIAA newcomer Lincoln University (Pa.). The contest will take place at 1:00 pm from West Grove High School in Pennsylvania. Even though Lincoln will compete in the CIAA, this game will not court towards the conference records.
